by Kenosha, Wis. – Parkside completed a massive upset victory over No. 1 Grand Valley State on Saturday afternoon. With just seconds remaining, Sheridan Flauger hit the game-winning shot, sending De Simone Arena into a frenzy. It marks the first time Parkside has ever defeated an opponent ranked No. 1 in the nation. It also hands Grand Valley State its first loss of the season.
Inside the box score:
- Cassidy Arni led the game with 26 points on 11-of-15 shooting. Arni knocked down three triples and came through in the clutch time and time again.
- Sheridan Flauger, the hero of the game, netted 17 points and connected on two big threes.
- Chloe Van Zeeland delivered another big performance, recording 11 points, eight rebounds, three assists, two blocks, and two steals.
- A dominant 28-point third quarter proved to be the difference for Parkside.
How it happened:
The extremely physical battle between Parkside and Grand Valley State featured a remarkable first quarter. After falling behind 4-0 in the blink of an eye, Parkside struck back with nine straight points. Sheridan Flauger started the run with a tough driving layup, followed by five points from Cassidy Arni, including a go-ahead triple. Arni scored 10 points in the first quarter alone, setting the stage for a huge night. Grand Valley State, however, responded late in the quarter and led 24-21 after one.
In the second quarter, the top team in the nation began to take control. They forced Parkside into numerous turnovers and outscored them 20-13. Despite the sloppy play, Parkside remained in the game, making six of nine shots. Grand Valley State led 44-34 at halftime.
The third quarter proved to be the turning point. Parkside was red-hot on both ends of the floor. After Grand Valley State built a 13-point lead, Parkside responded with a game-changing run. Flauger converted a dramatic three-point play, and Peighton Nelson followed with two straight baskets. Flauger then knocked down free throws to give Parkside a 48-47 lead. Kendal Zeiter got heavily involved in the second half, scoring the next five points on her own as Parkside extended its lead to 53-49. The Rangers had officially flipped the script with an 18-0 run. Though Grand Valley State chipped away at the deficit, Parkside continued to come up with critical shots. They stretched the lead to six after Zeiter made another layup, assisted by Lillie Petersen. Arni capped the quarter with a big three-pointer, and Parkside led 62-59 heading into the fourth.
Parkside maintained the lead for much of the fourth quarter. Arni and Van Zeeland scored back-to-back baskets, followed by a bucket from Lillie Petersen to extend the lead to 68-61. However, Grand Valley State battled back and took a 77-75 lead with 90 seconds remaining. Right after the go-ahead basket, Van Zeeland attacked the rim and drew a foul. She knocked down both free throws, tying the game once again. Parkside then came up with a massive defensive stop, regaining possession with just 30 seconds left. With 1.8 seconds remaining, Sheridan Flauger drove to the mid-post and buried a clutch turnaround jumper to put Parkside ahead.
Grand Valley State had one final shot, but Arni delivered a huge block to seal the game. Parkside outlasted the top team in the nation and secured the upset victory.
Parkside improved to 16-7 overall and 11-5 in conference play, securing its fourth straight win. The Rangers now sit in a tie for third place in the GLIAC.
